Tomato plants that exhibit resistance to botrytis cinerea

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to tomato plants that exhibit resistance to  Botrytis cinerea  and methods for developing new inbreds, hybrid, apomictic and genetically engineered tomato plants that possess resistance to  Botrytis cinerea  and having commercially desirable characteristics.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/131,156 filed Apr. 24, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. Application No. 60/286,296 filed Apr. 25, 2001, each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to plant breeding and molecular biology. More specifically, the present invention relates to tomato plants that exhibit resistance to Botrytis cinerea and methods for developing new inbred, hybrid, apomictic and genetically engineered tomato plants that possess resistance to Botrytis cinerea and have commercially desirable characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The plant disease gray mold (“Botrytis”), is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. This disease is commonly found on the stem, leaves and fruit of tomatoes. While Botrytis can be found in both greenhouse and field grown tomatoes, it is a more prevalent problem with greenhouse grown tomatoes. Moisture is of prime importance for Botrytis infection. The air must have a relative humidity of above 90% for germination of the pathogen (See, Sherf, A. F., et al., Vegetable Diseases and Their Control, John Wiley & Sons (1986), pgs. 645-647). Those areas in which fogs and heavy dews persist are more ideal for the development of the pathogen than areas where heavy rains are common. Id. The optimum temperature for growth of Botrytis is between 68° F. and 76° F. Normally, infection is rare above 77° F., although stored infected fruit can rot at temperatures as low as 32° F.

The older, senescent tissues of a tomato plant are usually more susceptible to attack by Botrytis than the younger tissues. Typically, the disease is associated with mature plants that have a dense canopy. Leaf lesions develop as light brown or gray, circular spots and may grow to cover the whole leaflet (See, Disease and Pests of Vegetable Crops in Canada, An Illustrated Compendium, Edited by Howard, R., et al., The Canadian Phytopathological Society, Entomological Society of Canada (1994)). Affected leaves become covered with conidiophores and conidia, and subsequently collapse and wither. Id. The fungus will grow from diseased leaves into the stem and produce dry, light brown lesions a few millimeters to several centimeters in length. Id. Lesions also form at deleafing scars on the stem. Id. The stem lesions may also be covered with a gray mold. Id. In severe cases, infection girdles the stem and kills the plant.

On green tomato fruit, a “ghost spot” typically appears and is the most common symptom of Botrytis. This “ghost spot” is typically tiny brown, often raised, necrotic spot that is surrounded by a pale halo. Id. Typically, once the fruit reaches a certain size, specifically, about 2.5 cm in diameter, the surface becomes smooth and shiny and tends to resist infection. Id. However, it is notable that the fruit can also become infected through flower parts stuck to the surface, particularly at the calyx end, which results in an irregular, brown lesion in the area of the flowering parts.

Unfortunately, the hereinbefore described “ghost spotting” can also occur on ripe fruit. Additionally, mature fruit can also be affected by a rot that starts at the calyx end. Id. Fruit can become water-soaked and soft at the point of infection. Id. The spots are irregular, up to about 3 cm in diameter and light brown to gray. Id. Rotting fruit will eventually fall from the plant.

In addition to tomato, Botrytis also affects a wide range of other vegetable crops such as asparagus and lettuce. The disease can be present on perennial plants in any geographical area and sporulation occurs when conditions become optimal (See, Compendium of Tomato Diseases, edited by Jones, et al.; APS Press (1991)). Conidia are easily windborn and can be blown from field to field. Id. Moreover, the pathogen can survive from season to season in the form of sclerotia, which develops on the woody tissues of tomato plants. Id. Also, Botrytis is a very efficient saprophyte, and organic matter in the soil can harbor it. Id. The fungus grows from the sclerotia or organic matter in the soil and can infect leaves lying on the ground. Id.

In order to discourage the development of Botrytis in greenhouse grown tomatoes, the temperature and relative humidity of the greenhouse should be closely regulated. Typically, temperatures higher than 70° F. and a humidity lower than 90% discourage Botrytis development. Additionally, at all times, some ventilation or forced air should be employed in the greenhouse as well. The use of drip irrigation or surface water is important to keep the leaves dry and to discourage the development of the pathogen.

For field grown plants, good drainage and weed control should be employed in order to minimize the amount of time that the plants are wet. Moreover, the nutrient levels of the plants should be kept high. It has been found that field grown tomatoes seem to have less infection and loss where nutrient levels, especially nitrogen, are kept high (See, Sherf, A. F., et al., Vegetable Diseases and Their Control, John Wiley & Sons (1986), pgs. 645-647).

Fungicides can also be used to control Botrytis in both greenhouse and field grown tomatoes. Examples of some fungicides that can be used include chlorothalonil (Exotherm Termil), that can be applied weekly and Dowicide A or DCNA (Botyan), either of which can be applied to tomato fruit post-harvest.

Presently, there are no commercially available tomato varieties that exhibit resistance to infection by Botrytis. Thereupon, there is presently a need in the art for new tomato varieties that possess resistance to Botrytis and which further exhibit desirable commercial characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a Botrytis resistant tomato plant. The method involves at least the following steps: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting seed from the cross in step b and growing said seed into plants; (d) selfing the plants of step c; (e) planting seed obtained from the selfing in step d and growing into plants; (f) isolating genetic material from the plants in step e and performing marker assisted selection with one or more molecular markers from chromosome 10 associated with at least one region on chromosome 10 that is linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance; and (g) identifying those plants that contain DNA introgressed from the donor plant, where said introgressed DNA contains regions from chromosome 10 linked to at least one gene that encode for Botrytis resistance. Preferably, the recipient tomato plant used in said method is Lycopersicon esculentum.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a Botrytis resistant tomato plant pursuant to the above-described method.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant. The method involves at least the following steps: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting the seed obtained from the cross in step b and growing into plants; (d) selfing the plants obtained in step c; (e) planting seed obtained from the cross in step d and growing into plants; (f) isolating genetic material from the plants of step e and performing marker assisted selection with one or more molecular markers from chromosome 10 associated with at least one region on chromosome 10 that is linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance; (g) identifying those plants containing DNA introgressed from said donor plant, wherein said introgressed DNA contains regions from chromosome 10, linked to at least one gene that encode for Botrytis resistance; (h) selfing the plants identified in step g; (i) planting seed obtained from the selfing in step h and growing into plants; (j) identifying plants from step i that exhibit Botrytis resistance and possess commercially desirable characteristics; and (k) repeating steps h-j until an inbred tomato plant is produced which exhibits Botrytis resistance and possesses commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a second method of producing a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant. The method involves the steps of: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting the seed obtained from the cross in step b and growing into plants; (d) crossing the plants obtained in step c with the recipient tomato plant of step b; (e) planting seed obtained from the crossing in step d and growing into plants; (f) isolating genetic material from the plants of step e and performing marker assisted selection with one or more molecular markers from chromosome 10 associated with at least one region on chromosome 10 that is linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance; (g) identifying those plants containing DNA introgressed from said donor plant, wherein said introgressed DNA contains regions from chromosome 10 linked to at least one gene that encode for Botrytis resistance; (h) crossing the plants identified in step g with the recipient tomato plant of step b; (i) planting seed obtained from the cross in step h and growing into plants; (j) identifying plants from step i that exhibit Botrytis resistance and possess commerically desirable characteristics; and (k) repeating steps h-j until an inbred tomato plant is produced which exhibits Botrytis resistance and possesses commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant produced by either one of the above-described methods.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a hybrid tomato plant that exhibits resistance to Botrytis. Such a hybrid tomato plant can be produced by crossing an inbred tomato plant produced by one of the above-described methods with an inbred tomato plant that exhibits commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a Botrytis resistant tomato plant. The method involves at least the following steps: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting seed from the cross in step b and growing said seed into plants; (d) selfing the plants of step c; (e) planting seed obtained from the selfing in step d and growing into plants; (f) identifying those plants that are resistant to Botrytis using a pathology screen. Preferably, the recipient tomato plant used in said method is Lyopersicon esculentum and the donor plant contains one or more regions on chromosome 10 linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a Botrytis resistant tomato plant. The method involves at least the following steps: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting seed from the cross in step b and growing said seed into plants; (d) selfing the plants of step c; (e) planting seed obtained from the selfing in step d and growing into plants; (f) inoculating the plants or part of the plants (such as leaves (detached or attached), stems, etc.) grown in step e with Botrytis; and (g) identifying those plants inoculated in step f that are resistant to Botrytis. Preferably, the recipient tomato plant used in said method is Lyopersicon esculentum and the donor plant contains one or more regions on chromosome 10 linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a Botrytis resistant tomato plant pursuant to the above-described methods.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant. The method involves at least the following steps: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting the seed obtained from the cross in step b and growing into plants; (d) selfing the plants obtained in step c; (e) planting seed obtained from the cross in step d and growing into plants; (f) identifying those plants that are resistant to Botrytis using a pathology screen; (g) selfing the plants identified in step f; (h) planting seed obtained from the selfing in step i and growing into plants; (i) identifying plants from step h that exhibit Botrytis resistance and possess commercially desirable characteristics; and (j) repeating steps h-i until an inbred tomato plant is produced which exhibits Botrytis resistance and possesses commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a second method of producing a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant. The method involves the steps of: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting the seed obtained from the cross in step b and growing into plants; (d) crossing the plants obtained in step c with the recipient tomato plant of step b; (e) planting seed obtained from the crossing in step d and growing into plants; (f) identifying those plants that are resistant to Botrytis using a pathology screen; (g) crossing the plants identified in step f with the recipient tomato plant of step b; (h) planting seed obtained from the cross in step g and growing into plants; (i) identifying plants from step h that exhibit Botrytis resistance and possess commerically desirable characteristics; and (j) repeating steps g-i until an inbred tomato plant is produced which exhibits Botrytis resistance and possesses commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a third method of producing a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant. The method involves at least the following steps: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanumlycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting the seed obtained from the cross in step b and growing into plants; (d) selfing the plants obtained in step c; (e) planting seed obtained from the cross in step d and growing into plants; (f) inoculating the plants or parts of the plants grown in step e with Botrytis; (g) identifying those plants inoculated in step f that are resistant to Botrytis; (h) selfing the plants identified in step g; (i) planting seed obtained from the selfing in step h and growing into plants; (j) identifying plants from step i that exhibit Botrytis resistance and possess commercially desirable characteristics; and (k) repeating steps h-j until an inbred tomato plant is produced which exhibits Botrytis resistance and possesses commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a fourth method of producing a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant. The method involves the steps of: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting the seed obtained from the cross in step b and growing into plants; (d) crossing the plants obtained in step c with the recipient tomato plant of step b; (e) planting seed obtained from the crossing in step d and growing into plants; (f) inoculating the plants or parts of the plants grown in step e with Botrytis; (g) identifying those plants inoculated in step f that are resistant to Botrytis; (h) crossing the plants identified in step g with the recipient tomato plant of step b; (i) planting seed obtained from the cross in step h and growing into plants; (j) identifying plants from step i that exhibit Botrytis resistance and possess commercially desirable characteristics; and (k) repeating steps h-j until an inbred tomato plant is produced which exhibits Botrytis resistance and possesses commercially desirable characteristics.

The method involves at least the following steps: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting the seed obtained from the cross in step b and growing into plants; (d) selfing the plants obtained in step c; (e) planting seed obtained from the cross in step d and growing into plants; (f) inoculating the plants or parts of the plants grown in step e with Botrytis; (g) identifying those plants inoculated in step f that are resistant to Botrytis; (h) selfing the plants identified in step g; (i) planting seed obtained from the selfing in step h and growing into plants; (j) identifying plants from step i that exhibit Botrytis resistance and possess commercially desirable characteristics; and (k) repeating steps h-j until an inbred tomato plant is produced which exhibits Botrytis resistance and possesses commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a fourth method of producing a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant. The method involves the steps of: (a) identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant selected from the group consisting of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasifonne, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides; (b) crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant with a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; (c) planting the seed obtained from the cross in step b and growing into plants; (d) crossing the plants obtained in step c with the recipient tomato plant of step b; (e) planting seed obtained from the crossing in step d and growing into plants; (f) inoculating the plants or parts of the plants grown in step e with Botrytis; (g) identifying those plants inoculated in step f that are resistant to Botrytis; (h) crossing the plants identified in step g with the recipient tomato plant of step b; (i) planting seed obtained from the cross in step h and growing into plants; (j) identifying plants from step i that exhibit Botrytis resistance and possess commercially desirable characteristics; and (k) repeating steps h-j until an inbred tomato plant is produced which exhibits Botrytis resistance and possesses commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant produced by either one of the above-described methods.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a hybrid tomato plant that exhibits resistance to Botrytis. Such a hybrid tomato plant can be produced by crossing an inbred tomato plant produced by one of the above-described methods with an inbred tomato plant that exhibits commercially desirable characteristics.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a Botrytis resistant tomato plant that contains within its genome at least one gene from chromosome 10 associated with Botrytis resistance. Such a Botrytis resistant tomato plant is selected from the group consisting of: Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a molecular marker map of chromosome 10 in tomato depicting introgression fragment from L. hirsutum LA1777 in line TA 1551 as shown in Monforte and Tanksley in Genome, 43:803-813 (2000).

FIG. 2 is a molecular marker map of chromosome 10 showing introgression fragments from L. hirsutum LA1777 in lines TA1551 and TA1549.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

The headings provided herein are not limitations of the various aspects or embodiments of the invention that can be had by reference to the specification as a whole. Accordingly, the terms defined immediately below are more fully defined by reference to the specification as a whole.

As used herein, the term “allele(s)” means any of one or more alternative forms of a gene, all of which alleles relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cell or organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.

As used herein, the term “Botrytis” means Botrytis cinerea, also known as gray mold or gray spot, a disease commonly found on the stem, leaves, flowers and fruit of tomatoes.

As used herein, the term “heterozygous” means a genetic condition existing when different alleles reside at corresponding loci on homologous chromosomes.

As used herein, the term “homozygous” means a genetic condition existing when identical alleles reside at corresponding loci on homologous chromosomes.

As used herein, the term “hybrid” means any offspring of a cross between two genetically unlike individuals (Rieger, R., A Michaelis and M. M. Green, 1968, A Glossary of Genetics and Cytogenetics, Springer-Verlag, N.Y.).

As used herein, the term “inbred” means a substantially homozygous individual or variety.

As used herein, the term “introgressed” means the entry or introduction of a gene from one plant into another. As used herein, the term “introgressing” means entering or introducing a gene from one plant into another.

As used herein, the term “molecular marker” means a restriction fragment length polymorphism, (RFLP), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), microsatellite, a sequence characterized amplified repeats (SCAR) or an isozyme marker or combinations of the markers described herein which defines a specific genetic and chromosomal location.

As used herein, the term “plant” includes plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which tomato plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant cell clumps, and plant cells that are intact in plants, or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, ovules, flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, root tips and the like.

As used herein, the term “population” means a genetically heterogeneous collection of plants sharing a common genetic derivation.

As used herein, the term “Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism” or “RFLP” means a variation between individuals in DNA fragment sizes cut by specific restriction enzymes. Polymorphic sequences that result in RFLPs are used as markers on both physical maps and genetic linkage maps.

As used herein, the term “tomato” means any variety, cultivar, or population of Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon hirsutum, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides.

As used herein, the term “variety” or “cultivar” means a group of similar plants that by structural features and performance can be identified from other varieties within the same species.

Description of the Invention

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to novel Botrytis resistant tomato plants and tomato lines, and improved methods for producing them utilizing the molecular markers and genes described herein in selective breeding techniques. More specifically, the inventors of the present invention have identified certain novel Botrytis resistant tomato plants. These tomato plants contain one or more genes that encode for Botrytis resistance. Tomato plants that do not contain these genes are susceptible to infection by Botrytis. Preferably, one or more of the genes that encode for Botrytis resistance is located on chromosome 10.

Molecular markers located on chromosome 10 that represent one or more regions on chromosome 10 linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance can be identified using marker-assisted selection, the techniques for which are well known in the art. An example of some markers on chromosome 10 believed to be linked to one or more regions on chromosome 10 that are linked to at least one or more genes that encode for Botrytis resistance include at least one of, but are not limited to, TG408, CT20, CT57, and TG241 (see FIG. 2).

One source of a Botrytis resistant tomato plant that contains the hereinbefore described genes on chromosome 10 is Lycopersicon hirsutum accession LA1777. Accession LA1777 is a wild species of tomato that originated in Peru and is publicly available from the C.M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center, Department of Vegetable Crops, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, Calif. 95616 (http://tgrc.ucdavis.edu). Other related tomato plants that exhibit resistance to Botrytis and contain one or more genes that encode for Botrytis resistance can now be utilized as the present invention now allows for this material to be identified. More specifically, it is known in the art that the same resistance gene can be present in more than one species, and in fact, more than one Genus (See, Klinger, J., et al., J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., 126(1):56-63 (2001), where the same resistance gene, Vat, which confers resistance to a cotton-melon aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover) was discovered in two sources of melon germplasm, Indian accession PI371795 and Korean accession PI 161375; and Grube, R., et al., Genetics, 155:873-887 (2000), where pepper homologues of the cloned R genes Sw-5, N, Pto, Prf, and 12 were found in syntenous positions in other solanaceous genomes and in some cases also mapped to additional positions near phenotypically defined solanaceous R. genes.) Thereupon, other accessions of related tomato species can be examined for Botrytis resistance include, but are not limited to, Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Lycopersicon cheesmanii, Lycopersicon parviflorum, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, Lycopersicon pennellii, Lycopersicon peruvianum, Lycopersicon chilense and Solanum lycopersicoides.

The molecular markers identified as being associated with one or more regions on chromosome 10 that are linked to one or more genes that encode for Botrytis resistance can be used to introgress one or more genes that encode for Botrytis resistance from a first donor plant into a recipient plant. By way of example, and not of limitation, RFLP screening techniques can be used in said introgression. Tomato plants developed according to the present invention can advantageously derive a majority of their traits from a recipient plant, and derive Botrytis resistance from the first donor plant.

According to one aspect of the present invention, genes that encode for Botrytis resistance are mapped by identifying molecular markers linked to resistance quantitative trait loci, the mapping utilizing a mix of resistant and susceptible to Botrytis inbred tomato plants for phenotypic scoring. Molecular characterization of such lines can be conducted using the techniques described by Monforte and Tanksley in Genome, 43:803-813 (2000).

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to methods for producing superior new Botrytis resistant tomato plants. In the method of the present invention, one or more genes encoding for Botrytis resistance are introgressed from a donor parental plant that is resistant to Botrytis into a recipient plant that is either non-resistant or a plant that has intermediate levels of resistance to infection by Botrytis. The Botrytis resistant tomato plants produced according to the methods of the present invention can be either inbred, hybrid, haploid, apomictic or genetically engineered tomato plants.

The introgression of one or more genes encoding for Botrytis resistance into a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or possesses intermediate levels of resistance to Botrytis can be accomplished using techniques known in the art. For example, one or more genes encoding for Botrytis resistance can be introgressed into a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or a plant that has intermediate levels of resistance to Botrytis using traditional breeding techniques, genetic engineering or protoplast fusion.

As discussed briefly above, traditional breeding techniques can be used to introgress one or more genes encoding for Botrytis resistance into a recipient tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis. In one method, which is referred to as pedigree breeding, a first tomato plant that exhibits resistance to Botrytis and contains one or more genes encoding for Botrytis resistance is crossed with a second tomato plant that is non-resistant to Botrytis or possesses intermediate levels of resistance to Botrytis and that exhibits commercially desirable characteristics, such as, but not limited to, disease resistance, insect resistance, valuable fruit characteristics, etc. The resulting plant population (that are F1 hybrids) is then allowed to self-pollinate and set seeds (F2 seeds). The F2 plants grown from the F2 seeds are then screened for resistance to Botrytis. The population can be screened in a number of different ways. First, the population can be screened using a traditional pathology disease screen. Such pathology disease screens are known in the art. Specifically, the individual plants or parts thereof can be challenged in an incubator or greenhouse with Botrytis and the resulting resistant or susceptible phenotypes of each plant scored. By way of example, and not of limitation, plants can be screened in a greenhouse as follows.

First, tomato seeds are planted and grown to seedlings (approximate time ˜6 weeks) in the greenhouse (hereinafter “GH”). Three (3) repetitions of ten (10) plants each for a total of thirty (30) plants per line are evaluated. The leaves, stems, flowers and fruits can be rated separately using a disease rating scale of 1-5 (1=resistant and 5=susceptible). The plants are inoculated with a conidial suspension (1,000,000 conidia/ml) of Botrytis 10 weeks after planting. A second inoculation may be required to enhance the disease development on the stems and fruit.

The leaves can be evaluated for Botrytis sporulation and lesion development one week after inoculation using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Necrosis and sporulation present on 1-2 leaves.

3—Necrosis and sporulation present on 10% of the foliage.

4—Necrosis and sporulation present on 20% of the foliage.

5—Necrosis and sporulation present on greater than 20% of the foliage.

The stems can be evaluated for Botrytis sporulation and lesion development 4 weeks after inoculation using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Limited superficial lesions on the stem.

3—Lesion expanding to 10 mm diameter with limited sporulation.

4—Lesions expanding to 40 mm diameter, depressed with sporulation.

5—Lesions expanding to greater than 40 mm diameter, depressed with sporulation or stems completely girdled.

The flowers can be evaluated for Botrytis cinerea disease development and sporulation when at least 3 flower clusters had developed using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on less than 50% of the flowers in one cluster.

3—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on less than 50% of the flowers in two or more clusters.

4—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on 50% to 75% of the flowers in two or more clusters.

5—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on greater than 75% of the flowers in all clusters.

The fruit can be evaluated for Botrytis lesion development when 50% of the fruit are at the break stage of development using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Lesions on the peduncle only.

3—Lesions developing on one fruit only.

4—Lesions developing on up to 4 fruit per plant.

5—Lesions developing on more than 4 fruit per plant.

Second, marker-assisted selection can be performed using one or more of the hereinbefore described molecular markers to identify those hybrid plants that contain one or more of the genes that encode for Botrytis resistance. Alternatively, marker-assisted selection can be used to confirm the results obtained from the pathology screen.

F2 hybrid plants exhibiting a Botrytis resistant phenotype contain the requisite genes encoding for Botrytis resistance, and possess commercially desirable characteristics, are then selected and selfed for a number of generations in order to allow for the tomato plant to become increasingly inbred. This process of continued selfing and selection can be performed for five or more generations. The result of such breeding and selection is the production of lines that are genetically homogenous for the genes associated with Botrytis resistance as well as other genes associated with traits of commercial interest.

Alternatively, a new and superior Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant line can be developed using the techniques of recurrent selection and backcrossing. In this method, Botrytis resistance can be introgressed into a target recipient plant (which is called the recurrent parent) by crossing the recurrent parent with a first donor plant (which is different from the recurrent parent and referred to herein as the “non-recurrent parent”). The recurrent parent is a plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics, such as, but not limited to disease resistance, insect resistance, valuable fruit characteristics, etc. The non-recurrent parent exhibits Botrytis resistance and contains one or more genes that encode for Botrytis resistance. The non-recurrent parent can be any plant variety or inbred line that is cross-fertile with the recurrent parent. The progeny resulting from a cross between the recurrent parent and non-recurrent parent are backcrossed to the recurrent parent. The resulting plant population is then screened. The population can be screened in a number of different ways. First, the population can be screened using a traditional pathology screen as described previously herein.

Second, marker-assisted selection can be performed using one or more of the hereinbefore described molecular markers to identify those progeny that contain one or more of genes encoding for Botrytis resistance. Alternatively, marker-assisted selection can be used to confirm the results obtained from the pathology screen.

Once the appropriate selections are made, the process is repeated. The process of backcrossing to the recurrent parent and selecting for Botrytis resistance is repeated for approximately five or more generations. The progeny resulting from this process are heterozygous for one or more genes that encode for Botrytis resistance. The last backcross generation is then selfed in order to provide for homozygous pure breeding progeny for Botrytis resistance.

The Botrytis resistant inbred tomato lines described herein can be used in additional crossings to create Botrytis resistant hybrid plants. For example, a first Botrytis resistant inbred tomato plant can be crossed with a second inbred tomato plant possessing commercially desirable traits such as, but not limited to, disease resistance, insect resistance, desirable fruit characteristics, etc. This second inbred tomato line may or may not be resistant to Botrytis.

The marker-assisted selection used in the hereinbefore described methods can be made, for example, step-wise, whereby the different Botrytis resistant genes are selected in more than one generation; or, as an alternative example, simultaneously, whereby all resistance genes are selected in the same generation. Marker-assisted selection for Botrytis resistance may be done before, in conjunction with, or after testing and selection for other commercially desirable traits such as disease resistance, insect resistance, desirable fruit characteristics, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to the identification, isolation and purification of one or more genes from tomato that encodes for Botrytis resistance. A source of material from which such gene(s) can be isolated from is Lycopersicon hirsutum accession LA 1777. Additionally, the present invention further contemplates the insertion of such isolated and purified genes either into tomato or other plants using techniques known in the art in order to provide transgenic plants that exhibit resistance to Botrytis infection.

Plant transformation involves the construction of an expression vector that will function in plant cells. In the present invention, such a vector comprises DNA comprising a gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance that is under control of or operatively linked to a regulatory element, such as a promoter. The expression vector may contain one or more such operably linked gene/regulatory element combinations, provided that at least one of the genes contained in said combinations encodes for Botrytis resistance. The vector(s) may be in the form of a plasmid, and can be used, alone or in combination with other plasmids, to provide transgenic plants that are resistant to Botrytis, using transformation methods described below.

Expression vectors can include at least one genetic marker, operably linked to a regulatory element (such as a promoter) that allows transformed cells containing the marker to be either recovered by negative selection (by inhibiting the growth of cells that do not contain the selectable marker gene), or by positive selection (by screening for the product encoded by the genetic marker). Many commonly used selectable marker genes for plant transformation are known in the art, and include, for example, genes that code for enzymes that metabolically detoxify a selective chemical agent which may be an antibiotic or a herbicide, or genes that encode an altered target which is insensitive to the inhibitor. Several positive selection methods are known in the art, such as mannose selection. Alternatively, markerless transformation can be used, the techniques for which are known in the art.

An example of a commonly used selectable marker gene for plant transformation is the neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene, isolated from transposon Tn5, which when placed under the control of a plant regulatory signal confers resistance to kanamycin (See, Fraley et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A, 80:4803 (1983)). Another commonly used selectable marker gene is the hygromycin phosphotransferase gene that confers resistance to the antibiotic hygromycin (See, Vanden Elzen et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 5:299 (1985)). Examples of other selectable markers that can be used include beta-glucuronidase (GUS), beta-galactosidase, luciferase and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase.

Expression vectors must be driven by a nucleotide sequence comprising a regulatory element, such as a promoter. Several types of promoters are well known in the art, as are other regulatory elements that can be used alone or in combination with promoters. As used herein “promoter” includes reference to a region of DNA upstream from the start of transcription and involved in recognition and binding of RNA polymerase and other proteins to initiate transcription. A “plant promoter” is a promoter capable of initiating transcription in plant cells. Examples of promoters under developmental control include promoters that preferentially initiate transcription in certain tissues, such as leaves, roots, seeds, fibers, xylem vessels, tracheids, or sclerenchyma. Such promoters are referred to as “tissue-preferred”. Promoters that initiate transcription only in certain tissues are referred to as “tissue-specific”. A “cell type” specific promoter primarily drives expression in certain cell types in one or more organs, for example, vascular cells in roots or leaves. An “inducible” promoter is a promoter that is under environmental control. Examples of environmental conditions that may effect transcription by inducible promoters include anaerobic conditions or the presence of light. Tissue-specific, tissue-preferred, cell type specific, and inducible promoters constitute the class of “non-constitutive” promoters. A “constitutive” promoter is a promoter that is active under most environmental conditions.

An inducible promoter is operably linked to an isolated and purified gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance for expression in tomato. With an inducible promoter, the rate of transcription increases in response to an inducing agent. Any inducible promoter can be used in the present invention.

A constitutive promoter can be operably linked to an isolated and purified gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance for expression in tomato. Several different constitutive promoters are known in the art and can be used in the present invention. An example of a constitutive promoter that can be used in the present invention includes, but is not limited to, promoters from plant viruses such as the 19S or 35S promoter from CaMV (See, Odell et al., Nature, 313:810-812 (1985)).

A tissue-specific promoter is operably linked to an isolated and purified gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance for expression in tomato. Plants transformed with an isolated and purified gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance operably linked to a tissue-specific promoter produce the protein product of the transgene exclusively, or preferentially, in a specific tissue.

Any tissue-specific or tissue-preferred promoter can be utilized in the instant invention. Exemplary tissue-specific or tissue-preferred promoters include, but are not limited to, a leaf-specific and light-induced promoter such as that from cab or rubisco (See, Simpson et al., EMBO J., 4(11):2723-2729 (1985) and Timko et al., Nature, 318: 579-582 (1985)).

Numerous methods for plant transformation have been developed, including biological and physical, plant transformation protocols. See, for example, Miki et al., “Procedures for Introducing Foreign DNA into Plants” in Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Glick, B. R. and Thmpson, J. E. Eds. (CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton, 1993) pages 67-88. In addition, expression vectors and in vitro culture methods for plant cell or tissue transformation and regeneration of plants are available (See, Gruber et al., “Vectors for Plant Transformation” in Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Glick, B. R. and Thompson, J. E. Eds. (CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, 1993) pages 89-119)).

One method for introducing an expression vector into a plant is based on the natural transformation system of Agrobacterium (See, Horsch et al., Science, 227:1229 (1985)). A. tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes are plant pathogenic soil bacteria that genetically transform plant cells. The Ti and Ri plasmids of A. tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes, respectively, carry genes responsible for genetic transformation of the plant (See, Kado, C. I., Crit. Rev. Plant. Sci., 10:1(1991)). Descriptions of Agrobacterium vector systems and methods for Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer are provided by Gruber et al., supra, Miki et al., supra, and Moloney et al., Plant Cell Reports 8:238 (1989). See also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,616, issued Jan. 7, 1997.

Another method for introducing an expression vector into a plant is based on microprojectile-mediated transformation wherein DNA is carried on the surface of microprojectiles. The expression vector is introduced into plant tissues with a biolistic device that accelerates the microprojectiles to speeds of 300 to 600 m/s which is sufficient to penetrate plant cell walls and membranes (See, Sanford et al., Part. Sci. Technol. 5: 27 (1987), Sanford, J. C., Trends Biotech., 6:299 (1988), Klein et al., Bio/Technology, 6:559-563 (1988). Sanford J. C., Physiol Plant, 79:206 (1990), Klein et al., Biotechnology, 10:268 (1992)).

Another method for introducing DNA to plants is via the sonication of target cells (See, Zhang et al., Bio/7′echnology, 9:996 (1991)). Alternatively, liposome or spheroplast fusion have been used to introduce expression vectors into plants (See, Deshayes et al., EMBO J., 4:2731 (1985), Christou et al., Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A, 84:3962 (1987)). Direct uptake of DNA into protoplasts using CaCl₂ precipitation, polyvinyl alcohol or poly-L-ornithine have also been reported (See, Hain et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 199:161 (1985) and Draper et al., Plant Cell Physiol., 23: 451 (1982)). Electroporation of protoplasts and whole cells and tissues have also been described (Donn et al., In Abstracts of VIIth International Congress on Plant Cell and Tissue Culture IAPTC, A2-38, p 53(1990); D′Halluin et al., Plant cell, 4:1495-1505 (1992) and Spencer et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 24:51-61 (1994)).

Following transformation of tomato target tissues, expression of the above-described selectable marker genes allows for preferential selection of transformed cells, tissues and/or plants, using regeneration and selection methods now well known in the art.

The foregoing methods for transformation could be used for producing transgenic tomato plants or other plant species, such as, but not limited to, vegetables (i.e. asparagus, lettuce, etc.) fruit (i.e.strawberries), or ornamental plants (i.e, African Violet, Begonias, Bougainvillea, Cyclamen, Dahlia, Geranium, Chinese Hibiscus, Impatiens, Kalanchoe, Ornamental Pepper, Persian Violet, Primrose, Poinsettia, Verbena, Vinca, etc.) that contain a foreign (heterologous) gene(s) that encodes for Botrytis resistance. Such transgenic plants can then be crossed, with another (non-transformed or transformed) plants, in order to produce a transgenic hybrid of tomato or other plant species that is resistant to Botrytis infection. Alternatively, the foreign (heterologous) genes for Botrytis resistance in a transgenic tomato or other plant species that has been engineered to contain said foreign (heterologous) gene(s) that encodes for Botrytis resistance using the transformation techniques described herein could be moved into another plant using traditional breeding techniques (such as backcrossing), that are well-known in the art. For example, and as previously discussed herein, backcrossing could be used to introgress Botrytis resistance from a transgenic Botrytis resistant inbred tomato or other plant line containing a foreign (heterologous) gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance to a non-resistant tomato plant or other crop that does not contain that gene, or from a transgenic hybrid Botrytis resistant tomato plant or other plant containing a foreign gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance into a line(s) that does not contain that gene.

In another embodiment, protoplast fusion can be used to create superior new Botrytis resistant plants. More specifically, a first protoplast can be obtained from a tomato plant or other plant line that exhibits resistance to infection by Botrytis and contains the genes described herein. For example, a protoplast from Lycopersicon hirsutum accession LA1777 can be used. A second protoplast can be obtained from a second tomato or other plant variety that contains commercially desirable characteristics, such as, but not limited to disease resistance, insect resistance, valuable fruit characteristics, etc. The protoplasts are then fused using traditional protoplast fusion procedures which are known in the art. For example, the protoplast fusion can be accomplished by employing a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution to facilitate the fusion of the membranes. Such somatic hybridization may be effected under the conditions disclosed by Sundberg et al. (Plant Science, 43:155 (1986), for the production of interspecific hybrids or modifications thereof. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that the protoplast fusion can be accomplished in other ways other than using polyethylene glycol (PEG). For example, the protoplasts can be fused by using electric field-induced fusion techniques as described by Koop et al., “Electric Field-Induced Fusion and Cell Reconstruction-with Preselected Single Protoplasts and Subprotoplasts of Higher Plants” in Electroporation and Electrofusion in Cell Biology, Neuman et al., editors, pgs. 355-265 (1989). Additionally, protoplast fusion can be accomplished with dextran and polyvinyl alcohol as described by Hauptmann et al., “Carrot×Tobacco Somatic Cell Hybrids Selected by Amino Acid Analog Resistance Complementation”, 6^(th) International Protoplast Symposium, Basel, Switzerland, Aug. 12-16, 1983.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods for determining the presence or absence of Botrytis resistance in a tomato plant, or alternatively in a tomato seed. These methods comprise analyzing DNA from a plant or a seed for the presence of one or more molecular markers that are associated with at least one region on a chromosome that is linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance. More specifically, the molecular markers are preferably from chromosome 10 and are used to identify one or more regions on chromosome 10 that are linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance. An example of such markers include, but are not limited to at least one of the following: TG408, CT20, CT57 and TG241 on chromosome 10. According to this method, the analyzing comprises analyzing the tomato plants or seed by RFLP analysis.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to seed, a plant and/or a plant line which is produced pursuant to the hereinbefore described methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a Botrytis resistant tomato plant, or alternatively a plant line, such as, but not limited to vegetables (i.e. asparagus, lettuce, etc.) fruit (i.e.strawberries), or ornamental plants (i.e, African Violet, Begonias, Bougainvillea, Cyclamen, Dahlia, Geranium, Chinese Hibiscus, Impatiens, Kalanchoe, Ornamental Pepper, Persian Violet, Primrose, Poinsettia, Verbena, Vinca, etc.) derived from selective breeding, which comprises first genomic DNA from a first plant line, the first genomic DNA conferring Botrytis resistance to the plant line; and second genomic DNA from a second plant line, the second genomic DNA conferring other desired traits to the plant line. According to this aspect of the invention, in tomato, the first amount of genomic DNA comprises molecular markers from chromosome 10 that are associated with at least one region on chromosome 10 that is linked to at least one gene that encodes for Botrytis resistance. More specifically, in tomato, the molecular markers, including at least one, but are not limited to, TG408, CT20, CT57and TG241 on chromosome 10.

By way of example, and not of limitation, Examples of the present invention will now be given.

Example 1

Resistance to Botrytis in Lycopersicon Hirsutum×L. Esculentum Backcross Recombinant Inbred Lines

Seeds of the following Lycopersicon hirsutum×L. esculentum backcross recombinant inbred lines (hereinafter “RIL”) were sent to Latina, Italy for resistance evaluation under greenhouse conditions in the year 2000. Seeds were planted into soil in transplant trays and grown in the greenouse between 20° C. and 24° C. for approximately 6 weeks. Specifically, the seeds were from the following lines: LA1777, TA1551, TA1330, TA1276, TA1105, TA1277, TA1541, TA1324, TA517, TA1266, TA1544, TA1316, TA1539, TA1121, TA1112, TA1545, TA1562, TA1258, TA1304, TA1280, TA1548, TA1127, TA1535, TA1540 and E6203. All the lines are publicly available from the C.M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center, Department of Vegetable Crops, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, Calif. 95616 (http://tgrc.ucdavis.edu). These lines have been described by Monforte and Tanksley in Genome, 43:803-813 (2000).

Seedlings were transplanted to the greenhouse (hereinafter “GH”) approximately 6 weeks after planting. Three repetitions of 10 plants each for a total of 30 plants per line were evaluated. The leaves and stems were rated separately using a disease rating scale of 1-5 (1=resistant and 5=susceptible).

The plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension (1,000,000 conidia/ml) of Botrytis cinerea 4 weeks after transplanting. A second inoculation was made five weeks after the first inoculation to enhance the disease development on the stems.

The leaves were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea sporulation and lesion development one week after inoculation using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Necrosis and sporulation present on 1-2 leaves.

3—Necrosis and sporulation present on 10% of the foliage.

4—Necrosis and sporulation present on 20% of the foliage.

5—Necrosis and sporulation present on greater than 20% of the foliage.

The stems were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea sporulation and lesion development 4 weeks after inoculation using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Limited superficial lesions on the stem.

3—Lesion expanding to 10 mm diameter with limited sporulation.

4—Lesions expanding to 40 mm diameter, depressed with sporulation.

5—Lesions expanding to greater than 40 mm diameter, depressed with sporulation or stems completely girdled.

Tables 1 and 2 below show the disease ratings of the leaves and stems from Lycopersicon esculentum backcross recombinant inbred lines containing various introgression fragments from L. hirsutum against infection from Botrytis cinerea.

TABLE 1 Average leaf disease rating of LA 1777 introgression lines screened for resistance to the fungal disease gray mold under greenhouse conditions in June 2000. RIL¹ Avg Leaf Rating² N³ p value⁴ TA1551 2.8 30 0.065 TA1330 3.4 30 0.120 TA1105 3.5 30 0.170 TA1544 3.6 28 0.093 TA1316 3.6 27 0.480 TA1539 3.6 26 0.090 TA1277 3.6 30 0.396 TA1121 3.8 20 0.632 TA1112 3.8 30 0.439 TA1545 4.0 27 0.955 TA1562 4.1 29 0.806 TA1258 4.1 30 0.855 TA1304 4.1 26 0.824 TA1541 4.1 30 0.657 TA1324 4.1 30 0.686 TA1280 4.1 22 0.553 TA1548 4.2 30 0.521 TA1127 4.2 30 0.486 TA1535 4.2 21 0.270 TA517 4.3 29 0.543 TA1276 4.4 29 0.241 TA1266 4.5 29 0.287 TA1540 5.0 16 0.009 LA1777⁵ na 30 na E6203 4.1 35 ¹ Lycopersicon hirsutum (LA 1777) RIL in L. esculentum (E6203). ²Average disease rating of RIL stems (1 = resistant; 5 = susceptible). ³Number of plants evaluated. ⁴RIL is significantly different from E6203 if p is less than 0.05. ⁵Leaves were not rated due to natural senescence of the older leaves in L. hirsutum at the time disease ratings were taken.

TABLE 2 Average stem disease rating of LA 1777 introgression lines screened for resistance to the fungal disease gray mold under greenhouse conditions in June 2000. RIL¹ Avg Stem rating² N³ p value⁴ LA177 1.00 30 0.003 TA155 1.80 30 0.009 TA1276 2.27 30 0.175 TA110 2.43 30 0.160 TA1277 2.63 30 0.277 TA154 2.70 30 0.063 TA154 2.70 30 0.063 TA111 2.80 30 0.560 TA132 2.83 30 0.338 TA517 3.03 29 0.616 TA112 3.20 30 0.549 TA154 3.21 28 0.177 TA130 3.22 27 0.181 TA133 3.29 28 0.383 TA1266 3.29 28 0.728 TA156 3.31 29 0.904 TA153 3.37 30 0.934 TA153 3.40 20 0.440 TA1280 3.48 23 0.920 TA154 3.56 16 0.585 TA1258 3.57 30 0.765 TA131 3.59 27 0.449 TA112 3.65 20 0.761 TA154 3.79 28 0.005 E6203 3.37 35 ¹ Lycopersicon hirsutum (LA 1777) RIL in L. esculentum (E6203). ²Average disease rating of RIL stems (1 = resistant; 5 = susceptible). ³Number of plants evaluated. ⁴RIL is significantly different from E6203 if p is less than 0.05.

The level of resistance observed in line TA1551 for the stem rating (p=0.009) demonstrate that it is significantly more resistant than its parent line E6203. In addition, the level of resistance observed in the leaf rating, although not significant at p=0.05, is greater than that observed in the parent line E6203.(see Tables 1 and 2).

Line TA1551 contains an introgression segment from chromosome 10 of L. hirsutum as described by Monforte and Tanksley in Genome, 43:803-813 (2000) (see FIG. 1).

Example 2

Resistance to Botrytis in Lycopersicon hirsutum×L. esculentum Backcross Recombinant Inbred Lines

To further evaluate the resistance observed in line TA1551 in the greenhouse screen in 2000 (see example 1) seeds of the following Lycopersicon hirsutum×L. esculentum backcross recombinant inbred lines were sent to Latina, Italy for resistance evaluation under greenhouse conditions in 2001. Seeds were planted into soil in transplant trays and grown in the greenhouse between 20° C. and 24° C. for approximately 6 weeks. Specifically, the seeds were from the following lines: LA1777, TA1551, TA1551-F1, TA1339, E6203 and Max. Except for TA1551-F1 and Max, the other lines are publicly available from the C.M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center, Department of Vegetable Crops, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, Calif. 95616 (http://tgrc.ucdavis.edu). The recombinant backcross inbred lines TA1551 and TA1339 are described by Monforte and Tanksley in Genome, 43:803-813 (2000).

Seedlings were transplanted to the greenhouse approximately 6 weeks after planting. Three repetitions of 10 plants each for a total of 30 plants per line were evaluated. The leaves, and stems, flowers and fruits were rated separately using a disease rating scale of 1-5 (1=resistant and 5=susceptible).

The plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension (1,000,000 conidia/ml) of Botrytis cinerea four (4) weeks after transplanting. A second inoculation was made five weeks after the first inoculation to enhance the disease development on the stems and fruit.

The leaves were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea sporulation and lesion development one week after inoculation using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Necrosis and sporulation present on 1-2 leaves.

3—Necrosis and sporulation present on 10% of the foliage.

4—Necrosis and sporulation present on 20% of the foliage.

5—Necrosis and sporulation present on greater than 20% of the foliage.

The stems were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea sporulation and lesion development 4 weeks after inoculation using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Limited superficial lesions on the stem.

3—Lesion expanding to 10 mm diameter with limited sporulation.

4—Lesions expanding to 40 mm diameter, depressed with sporulation.

5—Lesions expanding to greater than 40 mm diameter, depressed with sporulation or stems completely girdled.

The flowers were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea disease development and sporulation when at least 3 flower clusters had developed using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on less than 50% of the flowers in one cluster.

3—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on less than 50% of the flowers in two or more clusters.

4—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on 50% to 75% of the flowers in two or more clusters.

5—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on greater than 75% of the flowers in all clusters.

The fruit were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea lesion development when 50% of the fruit were at the break stage of development using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Lesions on the peduncle only.

3—Lesions developing on one fruit only.

4—Lesions developing on up to 4 fruit per plant.

5—Lesions developing on more than 4 fruit per plant.

Table 3 below shows the disease ratings of the leaves, stems, flowers and fruit from Lycopersicon esculentum backcross recombinant inbred lines containing an introgression fragment from L. hirsutum against infection from Botrytis cinerea.

TABLE 3 Average leaf, stem, flower and fruit disease score of tomato lines screened for resistance to the fungal disease gray mold under greenhouse conditions in June 2001. Average Average Average Average Leaf Stem² Flower Fruit Line N¹ rating² p-Value³ rating p-Value³ rating p-Value³ Rating² p-Value³ LA1777 30 NA⁴ na 1.0 0.00 1.0 0.01 1.0 0.01 TA1551 25 2.2 0.01 1.0 0.00 1.0 0.01 1.0 0.01 TA1551 Fl 15 2.4 0.08 1.8 0.38 1.1 0.02 1.0 0.04 TA1339 30 3.0 0.07 2.1 0.06 1.8 0.13 2.5 0.01 MAX 21 5.0 0.01 3.0 0.48 1.9 0.41 3.8 0.02 E6203 29 3.5 2.7 2.1 2.0 ¹Number of plants evaluated. ²Average disease rating for leaf, stem, flower and fruit (1 = resistant; 5 = susceptible). ³Lines have significantly less disease compared to E6203 if p is less than 0.05. ⁴Leaves were not rated due to natural senescence of the older leaves in L. hirsutum at the time disease ratings were taken.

The levels of resistance observed for line TA1551 for the leaves (p=0.01), stem (p=0.00), flower (p=0.01) and fruit (p=0.01) demonstrate that it is significantly more resistant than its parent line E6203 (see Table 3).

In addition, line TA1339 showed no significant difference at p=0.05 in disease development as compared to the susceptible E6203 for the average leaf (p=0.07), stem (p=0.06) and flower (p=0.13) score. Also, it showed significantly more disease development on the fruit than the susceptible check E6203, indicating that it does not contribute to disease resistance.

Line TA1551 and TA1339 contain introgression segments from chromosome 10 of L. hirsutum as described by Monforte and Tanksley in Genome, 43:803-813 (2000) (see FIG. 1).

Example 3 Resistance to Botrytis in Lycopersicon Hirsutum×L. Esculentum Backcross Recombinant Inbred Lines

To obtain a more detailed understanding of the region on chromosome 10 that is responsible for resistance, additional Lycopersicon hirsutum×L. esculentum backcross recombinant inbred lines containing chromosome 10 introgressions were evaluated along with lines that did not contain chromosome 10 introgressions in the greenhouse screen at Latina Italy in 2002. Seeds of the following Lycopersicon hirsutum×L. esculentum RIL's were sent to Latina, Italy for resistance evaluation under greenhouse conditions. Seeds were planted into soil in transplant trays and grown in the greenhouse between 20° C. and 24° C. for approximately 6 weeks. Specifically, the seeds were from the following lines: TA1331, TA1337, TA1339, TA1546, TA1549, TA1551, TA1552, TA1555, TA1559, TA1564, TA1630, TA1654, LA1777, and E6203. These lines are publicly available from the C.M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center, Department of Vegetable Crops, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, Calif. 95616 (http://tgrc.ucdavis.edu). The recombinant backcross inbred lines are described by Monforte and Tanksley in Genome, 43:803-813 (2000).

Seedlings were transplanted to the greenhouse approximately 6 weeks after planting.

Three repetitions of approximately 20 plants each for a total of 60 plants per line were evaluated. The leaves, stems, and flowers were rated separately using a disease rating scale of 1-5 (1=resistant and 5=susceptible).

The plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension (1,000,000 conidia/ml) of Botrytis cinerea four (4) weeks after transplanting. A second inoculation was made five weeks after the first inoculation to enhance the disease development on the stems.

The leaves were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea sporulation and lesion development one week after inoculation using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Necrosis and sporulation present on 1-2 leaves.

3—Necrosis and sporulation present on 10% of the foliage.

4—Necrosis and sporulation present on 20% of the foliage.

5—Necrosis and sporulation present on greater than 20% of the foliage.

The stems were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea sporulation and lesion development 4 weeks after inoculation using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Limited superficial lesions on the stem.

3—Lesion expanding to 10 mm diameter with limited sporulation.

4—Lesions expanding to 40 mm diameter, depressed with sporulation.

5—Lesions expanding to greater than 40 mm diameter, depressed with sporulation or stems completely girdled.

The flowers were evaluated for Botrytis cinerea disease development and sporulation when at least 3 flower clusters had developed using the following disease rating scale (1=resistant and 5=susceptible):

1—No symptoms.

2—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on less than 50% of the flowers in one cluster.

3—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on less than 50% of the flowers in two or more clusters.

4—Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on 50% to 75% of the flowers in two or more clusters.

5-Flower abscission, necrosis and or sporulation on greater than 75% of the flowers in all clusters.

Table 4 below shows the disease ratings of the leaves, stems, and flowers from Lycopersicon esculentum backcross recombinant inbred lines containing an introgression fragment from L. hirsutum against infection from Botrytis cinerea.

TABLE 4 Average leaf, stem, and flower disease score of tomato lines screened for resistance to the fungal disease gray mold under greenhouse conditions in June 2002. Avg Stem Avg Flower Line N¹ Avg Leaf rating² p value³ rating² p value³ rating² p value³ LA1777 21 1.42 0.053 1.00 0.009 1.00 0.020 TA1551 42 1.48 0.006 1.25 0.002 1.29 0.038 TA1549 56 1.21 0.003 1.34 0.016 1.05 0.024 TA1552 60 2.33 0.107 2.17 0.190 2.55 0.075 TA1559 60 2.25 0.236 2.52 0.409 2.62 0.215 TA1564 59 2.93 0.835 2.56 0.134 3.12 0.350 TA1546 58 2.69 0.098 2.72 0.665 2.55 0.064 TA1337 59 2.68 0.160 2.75 0.323 2.20 0.174 TA1339 55 2.71 0.085 2.75 0.406 3.62 0.671 TA1331 60 2.80 0.513 2.83 0.553 2.77 0.145 TA1555 58 2.76 0.322 2.85 0.604 2.57 0.244 TA1630 58 2.97 0.878 2.88 0.816 3.57 0.559 TA1654 59 2.92 0.826 2.90 0.942 3.34 0.491 E6203 59 3.02 2.95 3.73 ¹Number of plants evaluated. ²Average disease rating for leaf, stem, flower and fruit (1 = resistant; 5 = susceptible). ³Lines have significantly less disease compared to E6203 if p is less than 0.05.

The levels of resistance observed based on the disease ratings for line TA1551 for the leaves (p=0.006), stem (p=0.002), and flower (p=0.038) demonstrate that it is significantly more resistant than its parent line E6203 (see Table 4).

In addition, the levels of resistance observed based on the disease ratings for line TA1549 for the leaves (p=0.003), stem (p=0.016), and flower (p=0.024) demonstrate that it is significantly more resistant than its parent line E6203 (see Table 4).

Lines TA1551 and TA1549 contain introgression segments from chromosome 10 of L. hirsutum as described by Monforte and Tanksley in Genome, 43:803-813 (2000) (see FIG. 1).

Additional marker analysis of RIL TA1551 revealed that the introgression segment from LA1777 was heterozygous in the region containing markers TG313 and CT234. In addition, a double crossover was detected which resulted in a homozygotic L. esculentum genotype in the region containing marker CD45. Further, the region of TA1551 containing markers TG408, CT20, CT57 and TG241 was found to be homozygous for L. hirsutum (see FIG. 2). Detailed marker analysis for RIL TA1549 revealed that the introgression segment from LA 1777 was homozygous in the region containing markers TG408, CT20, CD34, TG241, CT95, TG63 and TG233 (see FIGS. 2).

TA1551 and TA1549 are both resistant to Botrytis and both lines contain introgression segments from L. hirsutum on chromosome 10. This indicates that resistance to Botrytis is located in the overlap region of the introgression lines TA1551 and TA1549 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, resistance to Botrytis is located between molecular markers defining the upper end of the homozygotic L. hirsutum introgression segment in TA 1551 in the region of marker CT66 and markers defining the lower end of the introgression segment in TA 1551 in the region of the marker CT95.

All abstracts, references, patents and published patent applications referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention is illustrated by way of the foregoing description and examples. The foregoing description is intended as a non-limiting illustration, since many variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view thereof.

Changes can be made to the composition, operation and arrangement of the method of the present invention described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. 

1.-38. (canceled)
 39. A method of producing a Botrytis resistant Lycopersicon esculentum tomato plant comprising the steps of: a. identifying a Botrytis resistant donor plant; b. crossing the Botrytis resistant donor plant from step a with a recipient Lycopersicon esculentum tomato plant that is non-resistant or has an intermediate level of resistance to Botrytis and possesses commercially desirable characteristics; c. obtaining genetic material from a progeny of said cross; and d. performing molecular marker-assisted selection using a molecular marker associated with a Botrytis resistance region having an upper end in the region of marker CT66 and a lower end in the region of marker CT95.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein said resistance is selected from the group consisting of: stem resistance, leaf resistance, flower resistance and fruit resistance.
 41. The method of claim 39, wherein said molecular marker associated with a Botrytis resistance region comprises a donor molecular marker selected from the group consisting of TG408, TG285, CT260C, CT112B, CT203, CT42, h, PGAL, TG420, CD34B, CT20, and combinations thereof.
 42. The method of claim 39, wherein said molecular marker corresponds to a Lycopersicon hirsutum molecular marker.
 43. The method of claim 39, further comprising performing molecular marker-assisted selection using an L. esculentum molecular marker from the region containing markers TG313 and CT234.
 44. The method of claim 39, wherein said molecular marker from the region containing markers TG313 and CT234 is selected from the group consisting of: CT113C, TG271, TG230, TG313, hy, TG399A, CT105B, CT41, TG122, CAB7, TG63, TG395, nor, CT16, CD77, TG303, CD56, CT125, CT60, TG540, CABS, u, TG566, PTC1, CT234, TG596, TG148, CD38A, TG12, and combinations thereof.
 45. The method of claim 43, further comprising performing molecular marker-assisted selection using an L. esculentum molecular marker selected from a region having an upper end in the region of CT95.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein said region having an upper end in the region of CT95 comprises a molecular marker selected from the group consisting of: CT95, TG663, HTS1C, TG63, TG206A, CT238, CT240, CD5, TG233, CD32B, and combinations thereof.
 47. The method of claim 39, further comprising recurrent selection and backcrossing to a recurrent Lycopersicon esculentum parent.
 48. A Botrytis resistant Lycopersicon esculentum plant produced by the method of claim
 47. 49. A Botrytis resistant Lycopersicon esculentum plant seed obtainable from the Botrytis resistant Lycopersicon esculentum plant of claim
 48. 50. A method of identifying a Botrytis resistant Lycopersicon esculentum tomato plant, the method comprising: a. obtaining genetic material from a Lycopersicon esculentum tomato plant; and b. identifying a molecular marker associated with a Botrytis resistance region having an upper end in the region of marker CT66 and a lower end in the region of marker CT95.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein said molecular marker associated with a Botrytis resistance region corresponds to an L. hirsutum molecular marker.
 52. The method of claim 50, wherein said molecular marker associated with a Botrytis resistance region is selected from the group consisting of: TG408, TG285, CT260C, CT112B, CT203, CT42, h, PGAL, TG420, CD34B, CT20, and combinations thereof.
 53. The method of claim 50, further comprising performing molecular marker-assisted selection using an L. esculentum molecular marker from the region containing markers TG313 and CT234.
 54. The method of claim 53, further comprising performing molecular marker-assisted selection using an L. esculentum molecular marker from the region having an upper end in the region of CT95.
 55. A method of screening tomato plants for resistance to Botrytis comprising: a. obtaining genetic material from a Lycopersicon esculentum tomato plant; and b. performing molecular marker-assisted selection with a molecular marker associated with a Botrytis resistance region having an upper end in the region of marker CT66 and a lower end in the region of marker CT95.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein said molecular marker associated with a Botrytis resistance region corresponds to an L. hirsutum molecular marker.
 57. The method of claim 55, further comprising performing molecular marker-assisted selection using an L. esculentum molecular marker from the region containing markers TG313 and CT234.
 58. The method of claim 57, further comprising performing molecular marker-assisted selection using an L. esculentum molecular marker selected from a region having an upper end in the region of CT95. 